Animal Waterer Lid Pivot Locking for Faster Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watering troughs require complex and time-consuming procedures for opening and closing the lid, especially when obstacles or water inlet positioning complicates the process, and there is a need for quick-release and versatile lid operation.
Innovation Solution
A watering trough design with removable connecting means featuring a threaded rod and closing nut system, enhanced by stop means to prevent extraction and allow pivoting or complete separation of the lid, providing multiple opening directions and simplified operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded rods with eyes are used for connecting the lid and tank, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the opening and closing procedure becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting means are divided into multiple independent threaded rods distributed around the perimeter, allowing selective engagement. The rod entry openings provide separate access paths for each rod, enabling incremental connection rather than requiring simultaneous manipulation of all connecting elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded rods are extracted as removable components that can be individually engaged or disengaged. The rod entry openings allow rods to be inserted or removed independently from the assembly, separating the connection process into discrete, manageable steps rather than a monolithic operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple threaded rods are distributed around the entire perimeter, then complete removal of the lid is enabled, but the opening procedure requires complete disengagement which is time-consuming and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The perimeter connection system is segmented into multiple independent rod-position pairs. Each rod can be engaged or disengaged independently through its own rod entry opening, allowing the operator to connect or disconnect the lid at specific locations rather than requiring uniform engagement around the entire perimeter.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system transitions from a static all-or-nothing engagement to a dynamic state where individual rods can be selectively engaged. The rod entry openings enable the lid to be connected at one side while remaining open at another, creating a flexible intermediate state between fully closed and fully open.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the lid is fixed to pivot on one side with a hinge structure, then the opening direction is determined, but this poses problems when obstacles are nearby or water inlet positioning is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded rod connecting means serve multiple functions: they can act as hinge pins when engaged on one side, allowing pivoting opening in various directions; they can act as complete connection elements when engaged around the entire perimeter; and they can be selectively engaged to create temporary hinges at different locations, adapting to different spatial constraints and water inlet positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a fixed hinge configuration to a dynamic configuration where the pivot point can be relocated by engaging threaded rods at different positions around the perimeter. This allows the opening direction to be adjusted based on external obstacles or internal water inlet positioning requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an animal waterer (1) comprising a tank (2) and a lid (5) connected by removable connecting means (9). The connecting means (9) comprise an eye-shaped threaded rod (91) cooperating with a locking nut (92) after passing through a passage (13) extended by a lateral opening (14). According to the invention, the waterer includes stop means (93) arranged to prevent the extraction of said eye-shaped threaded rod (91) from the passage (13) in the tightening position of the locking nut (92). Furthermore, the rim of the lid and the rim of the tank, which are in contact due to the tightening of the locking nut (92), are structured to allow the lid (5) to pivot on the tank (2) in said tightening position of the locking nut (92).